That was latest setback in what has been a disappointing first full season at the club for the Brazilian following last January's £142million move from Liverpool .

Coutinho initially shone following his move last winter, and although Balague claims that the club have no intention of selling him despite rumoured transfer interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, the journalist says that the club feel as though he isn't playing like the player Barca thought they were getting.

Coutinho has struggled in his first full season at Barca (Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)